New Hampshire

New Hampshire stretches from the Atlantic coast westward to the Connecticut River, encompassing the White Mountains and many lakes scattered across its interior. The state shares its northern border with the Canadian province of Quebec, with Maine to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and Vermont to the west.

English fishermen established the first permanent settlement near Portsmouth in 1623, creating a foothold along the coast. The state became the ninth to ratify the Constitution in 1788, putting the new federal government into legal effect.

Residents value self-reliance and local decision-making, visible in the town meeting tradition where neighbors gather to debate public matters face to face. Visitors notice a reserved social style and a strong preference for keeping government involvement minimal in everyday life.

The climate varies sharply from cold snowy winters in the mountains to milder conditions near the coast, so layered clothing helps year-round. Drivers should expect icy roads in winter and heavier traffic during autumn foliage season.

Mount Washington Observatory measures weather extremes at its summit station and once recorded the highest surface wind speed ever measured in the Northern and Western hemispheres. Hikers can visit the station and witness how rapidly conditions shift on this exposed peak.

Location: United States

Inception: June 21, 1788

Capital city: Concord

Elevation above the sea: 305 m

Reference: NH

Part of: contiguous United States, New England

Shares border with: Massachusetts, Vermont, Quebec, Maine

Website: https://nh.gov

GPS coordinates: 44.00000,-71.50000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 22:13